Game of Thrones: Empire Podcast with “Blackwater” Director Neil Marshall

Game of Thrones: Empire Podcast with “Blackwater” Director Neil Marshall

The first movie I watched after Game of Thrones episode “Blackwater” was ‘Dog Soldiers’, a UK action-horror film about a military training mission in Scotland that becomes a deadly encounter with the supernatural. When the end credits started to roll, I noticed it was the same director as “Blackwater”. Also coincidentally, ‘Dog Soldiers’ features actor Liam Cunningham (Ser Davos Seaworth) as Captain Ryan, who I did not recognize at first because he plays a completely different character and is ten years younger.

Listen to Empire Podcast with Director Neil Marshall (Centurion, The Descent) for a “behind-the-scenes” discussion on the making of “Blackwater”. Neil Marshall, who was a last minute replacement because the original director had to bow out for personal reasons, discusses why the episode was shot at night, explains an executive producer wanted full frontal nudity, the truth about actor Jack Gleeson (aka Joffrey Baratheon) and the level of input he had to change the script.

Click here to read my review of “Blackwater” and rewatch the epic Wildfire explosion scene.

Game of Thrones: Amazing Fan Art

Game of Thrones: Amazing Fan Art

 Let’s give props to Game of Thrones Fans/Artists … so very talented!

 

 

  

 

 

 

Game of Thrones: House Power Rankings

Game of Thrones: Season 2 Review and Summary

House Power Rankings

Like most fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones, I’m intrigued by the many Houses vying for the Iron Throne. Below is a brief summary of the State of the Houses as of the Season 2 finale and where I think they rank in terms of power and position. The Night’s Watch are not a House but I’ve added them on because I think they’re cool. I did not include some other Great Houses like the Frey, Martell, Tully and Arryn because Season 2 did not focus on them so there is not enough information to rank them. Let me know how you rank the Houses and what is your favorite House in the comments below.

#1. House Lannister – A House Divided. King Joffrey is a Baratheon in name only although we all have a few special names we’d like to call him. With the Iron Throne defended (for the time being), the Lannisters might be their own worst enemy. Queen Cersei has lost control of her sociopathic son, Tywin has punished Tyrion for his valiant effort to save King’s Landing and Tyrion intends to keep his promise to Cersei that one day, joy will turn to ashes in her mouth. Meanwhile, Jamie, who killed his cousin in a failed escape attempt, is on a dangerous journey through war torn Riverlands with warrior Brienne. Lastly, Princess Myrcella is a ward of House Martell who are patiently waiting for how things shake down in King’s Landing before making their move. I know some fans are upset that the Lannisters, with the exception of Tyrion, are in control but please don’t give up on the show.

#2. House Tyrell – A Blossoming House of Roses. The sudden death of King Renly was a major set back for the Tyrells as most of the minor Houses switched allegiances and joined up with Stannis instead. The Tyrells have turned a grave misfortune into a golden opportunity by aligning with the wealthiest and powerful House Lannister to defeat Stannis’ army in the Battle of Blackwater. With Margaery’s betrothal to King Joffrey, the Tyrells have the Iron Throne within their grasp. Margaery is not an innocent dove that can be easily manipulated by Cersei or controlled by Joffrey. With the help of her brother Loras, she will use her cunning wits and god given “assets” to be The Queen. I can’t wait for Joffrey’s wedding day!

#3. House Stark – A House Without A Home. Even having never lost a battle, the glint in the Starks’s armor is slowly fading. Matriarch Catelyn has betrayed the trust of Robb when she freed the Kingslayer; which they sacrificed two thousand men in order to capture him in the first place. In Westeros, marriage can forge and strengthen alliances however Robb’s reckless marriage to Talisa breaks his oath to House Frey. Worst of all, their stronghold Winterfell is in ruin, after it was taken over by former family ward Theon while young Bran & Rickon have fled to the Wall. Robb ordered Lord Bolton’s bastard son and 500 men to take back Winterfell but it appears things did not go as planned. I can only imagine Catelyn and Robb’s reaction when they hear of the (faux) death of Bran & Rickon, Arya is not in King’s Landing as presumed and Sansa’s safety is in jeopardy because she is no longer betrothed to Joffrey. The Stark’s values of family, honor and love are quickly unraveling their position in the War of the Kings and Robb doesn’t even want the Iron Throne.

Game of Thrones: Inside The Episode “Valar Morghulis” (S02E10)

Game of Thrones Review/Recap: “Valar Morghulis” Season 2 Finale, Episode 10 (Episode 20)

In the aftermath of the climatic, “Blackwater” episode, the second season finale wraps up some storylines but mostly sets up intriguing possibilities for Season 3. I’ve put together some quick thoughts and reactions to this episode.

King’s Landing

Tyrion lives! After strategizing to use wildfire against Stannis’ fleet and leading the attack at the Mud Gate, Tryion should have earned the respect of his father Tywin. His reward for his bravery … losing the position of Hand of the King! Tyrion’s heroics won’t be mentioned in the history books much less acknowledged by King Joffrey. His own family is his worst enemy, especially Cersei who arranged to have Ser Mandon assassinate him. Varys is wisely distancing himself from Tyrion or risk getting caught in the crossfire. With the unscrupulous Bronn notably absent, only his cupbearer Podrick and whore Shae are standing by his side. I initally had my suspicions on Shae, after all she is getting paid to be with Tyrion. However, in “Blackwater”, she risked getting raped (or worse) by waiting for Tyrion in Maegor’s Holdfast rather than fleeing with Sansa. When Shae suggests they should escape to Pentos together, Tyrion refuses because he lives to outwit and outplay his enemies. The fact that Tywin has gone to great lengths to buy out the Hill’s tribe, replace Bronn as commander of the Gold’s Watch and keep his son alive under the care of Maester Pycelle most likely means he has plans for his son and Tyrion won’t have much of a choice.